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In this archival episode, Jeff re-presents his first lame attempt at spinning humorous stories of some of his martial encounters.
Techniques, concepts, and drills from more than forty years of experience and research
In this archival episode, Jeff re-presents his first lame attempt at spinning humorous stories of some of his martial encounters.
This is an archival reissue of The Martial Brain #23. In it Jeff draws parallels between the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and various aspects of the Martial Arts.
Jeff discusses the scientific method vs. “ancient wisdom,” and the importance for martial arts instructors of regularly updating their curricula.
Jeff describes a way to begin building your defensive skills vs. empty hand striking.
Jeff discusses the quirky relationship between humans and their technology.
Jeff discusses the ways that your brain compensates for the time lag created when it must process visual information before presenting it to you.
Jeff discusses the dangers of tribalism in martial arts academies.
Jeff discusses the pitfalls of dating at the martial arts academy.
Jeff discusses the dangers of the recurring logical fallacy of anti-intellectualism.
Jeff discusses the various uses of footwork in the martial arts, and why you need to learn them.
Jeff discusses the ethical and legal dangers of following sport martial arts protocols in self defense.
Jeff discusses what happens when the right way to practice one martial art collides with the right way to practice a different martial art.
Jeff discusses the importance of developing the capacity for careful planning combined with skill at improvisation; both in the martial arts and in life.
Jeff discusses the human propensity for thinking in absolute rather than relative terms.
Jeff discusses the training in and use of deception and faking in the martial arts.
Jeff discusses the importance of the attribute of timing in the martial arts, comedy, and in history.
Jeff draws a comparison between two attributes often associated with the martial arts.
Jeff concludes his three-part discussion of skepticism as it applies both to the martial arts and to life.
Jeff continues his three part treatment of skepticism, both in the martial arts and in the rest of life. In this episode he discusses how we know what we know.
Jeff discusses the pitfalls of seeking martial arts instruction for very young children.
Jeff discusses the ubiquitous phenomenon of martial arts politics.
Jeff discusses the pros and cons of martial arts sports competition, and the importance of understanding sample size when analyzing and interpreting data.
Jeff discusses the variety of personalities and teaching styles among martial arts instructors.
Jeff discusses the role of stances in the martial arts.
Jeff discusses the problems of using your own brain to assess your progress as a martial artist.
Jeff discusses the importance of discipline and respect in the martial arts, AND the importance of being able to perceive the difference between form and substance of discipline and respect.
Jeff takes a new slant on the ridiculousness of racism, sexism, and homophobia.
This is the second episode in a series of stories of Jeff’s encounters with weird and eccentric characters during his martial arts career.
Jeff shares stories of strange and bizarre encounters from his decades of history of dealing with people interested in the martial arts.
Jeff discusses misconceptions regarding the connection between Zen Buddhism and the Japanese martial arts.
Jeff discusses the culture of many martial arts traditions, in which asking questions is discouraged, and why he disagrees with it.
Jeff discusses the value and practicality of the apparently anachronistic practice of training with non-firearm weapons.
Jeff warns of the dangers of arrogance in a martial arts instructor, and describes the amazing power of the human mind to learn, even despite bad teachers.
Jeff discusses the dangers of making the perfect the enemy of the good; in life and in the martial arts.
Jeff draws parallels between the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and various aspects of the Martial Arts.
Jeff discusses the fascination many young martial artists have with “advanced” techniques, and proposes an alternative word to describe them.
Jeff discusses a scientific approach to improving your fighting skills.
Jeff discusses the pros and cons of using belts to signify rank in the martial arts.
Jeff proposes a counter-factual: What would the modern American martial arts scene look like if the Pacific theater of World War 2 had never taken place?
After 15 previous podcasts, Jeff finally addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to martial skepticism……Chi Power!
Jeff discusses the importance of determination, and not confusing it with magic.
Jeff discusses the dangers of losing focus when acting as a partner in a martial arts drill, and the furtive, malevolent animal that lurks in our brain, waiting to get out.
Jeff discusses the importance of stressing the understanding of principles over the accumulation of techniques.
The martial arts world has for centuries focused much of its attention on the value and quality of the many different “styles”. Jeff wades into the subject and offers his own two cents, drawing a parallel to the outmoded concept of ‘race’ in biology.
Jeff discusses the importance of being able to competently defend yourself when you find that the fight has gone to the ground.
In the process he discusses the problem of ‘tribalism’ in the martial arts.
Jeff discusses the development of critical thinking skills to protect yourself from the negative effects of fraudulent claims in the martial arts and in life.
Jeff discusses the use and misuse of the title “Master” in the context of the Martial Arts.
Jeff discusses how to enhance your gains from training, including the importance of mindfulness in practice,
Jeff delves into the pros and cons of martial arts seminars, and how to get the most out of your seminar experience.